Satirtha Chakma

The interim government has recently enacted the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 (the ‘Ordinance’) marking a significant step in strengthening Bangladesh’s tobacco control regime. The fresh ordinance redefines ‘tobacco’ and broadens the meaning of ‘tobacco products’ to include e-cigarettes, Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS), Heated Tobacco Product (HTP) and similar devices that have rapidly gained popularity, particularly among the younger users.

On 1 July 2025, the Legal Aid Services (Amended) Ordinance, 2025 came into effect. The newly enacted ordinance introduced both pre-case and post-case mediation, either physically or virtually by mutual compromise.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer the future— it is the present. From global finance to health, surveillance to academics, and the legal profession, AI systems are  now integrated into many aspects of our everyday life.